Mariner exec Shaffer taking a look at Griffey

There may be more to the Mariners interest in Ken Griffey Jr. than Seattle management has been willing to let on

Reports out of New York say that Duane Shaffer, in his first season as a special assistant to Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi, was in Shea Stadium Sunday to have a look at Griffey.

The Mariners need two things – someone to get the fans’ interest revved up after a horrid start to the season and someone to provide some power to a lineup devoid of many run-producers.

There would be some immediate short-term interest in seeing Griffey in Seattle on the part of the fans, that much is certain. Less certain is how much Griffey could help the Mariner offense. He’s hitting just .254 with the Reds with four homers and 18 RBIs.

On the other hand, he is on the cusp of reaching the 600-homer mark, and most of those were hit while he was with Seattle from 1989-99.

Suggestions that he come aboard as the designated hitter probably won’t go over well with Griffey, who wants to play in the field. If the DH job is all the Mariners can offer, then a deal probably will never have any legs.

But if it could be worked out for either of the current corner outfielders, left fielder Raul Ibanez or right fielder Wladimir Balentien to be moved to the DH spot for the moment, then the possibilities expand. Ibanez is the more logical choice to move to DH.

Griffey is a 10-and-5 player (10 or more years in the big leagues, the last five with the same team) with the right to veto any trade. He is likely to become a free agent after the season is over – the Reds have an option for next year they’re not likely to pick up – and Seattle is expected to be a serious suitor for his services.